DERIVATION.--Camphor is obtained from a tree known as Laurel Camphor.
The branches are cut and boiled in water and the camphor rises to the
top in the form of gum.
HABITAT.--Japan, China and Sunda Islands.
PROPERTIES.--White translucent masses, of a tough consistence and a
crystalline structure, readily pulverizable in the presence of a little
alcohol ether or chloroform; having a penetrating characteristic odor,
and a pungent aromatic taste. Very sparingly soluble in water, but
readily soluble in alcohol, ether, chloroform, carbon disulphide,
petroleum, benzine and in fixed and volatile oils. On exposure to the
air, it evaporates more or less rapidly at ordinary temperatures, and
when moderately heated, it sublimes without leaving a residue.
DOSE.--Horses, 1 to 3 drs.; cattle, 2 to 4 drs.; sheep and pigs, 15 grs.
to 1 dr.; dogs, 3 to 30 grs.